How Missing a Relieving Order from a Previous Job Affects Future Career Moves in IT

I worked in a small IT company in Bangalore from 2006 to 2008. It was like a manpower company that sent its employees to work in other companies.

Usually, when an employee leaves the company, the company does not make it easy for many employees. Almost 30-40% of employees don't receive a relieving order and experience certificate from the company.

In 2008, I received an offer from a branded IT company, and they agreed to my joining without a relieving order. At that time, I didn't understand the importance of a relieving order. My actual notice period was 3 months, but the new company needed me to start in a month. Even if I had served the full 3 months' notice, it wasn't certain that I would receive a relieving order. Therefore, I served a 1-month notice and joined the new company.

When I wanted to switch from my second company, none of the branded IT companies were willing to consider me without the relieving order from my first company. I then switched to a mid-sized IT organization, which stated that they required all documents from my recent past employer.

Then I switched to a mid-sized IT organization, which said if all the documents from the recent past employer are fine, then they don't need prior documents. I then joined there.

Now, I am working in my third company. When I tried to switch again, none of the branded IT companies are offering me a position. They are asking for the relieving order from all my previous employers. Even many mid-sized and small IT companies are saying the same.

I even contacted my first company's HR and asked for my documents. He made it very difficult to meet him. After meeting him, he said I need to pay three months' salary, and I can collect one of my educational certificates which I had given earlier. However, he said they will not provide the relieving order/experience certificate, and they had marked me as absconded.

Because of this reason, I am losing many offers.

H1B Visa Concerns

Also, if I file an H1B Visa from my current company, do I need to show all my experience and relieving letters? If they call my first company for verification, will it be an issue?

Please advise. Thanks.